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The court heard Savage has "significant" mental health problems and has been diagnosed with Emotional Unstable Personality Disorder and Dissocial Personality Disorder, complicated by substance and alcohol misuse.

Mr Thomas said she used alcohol as a "coping strategy".

He told the court the defendant was exposed to "considerable childhood trauma" by witnessing serious domestic violence against her mother.

The defence barrister said: "I have to concede that there is a pattern of violent offending throughout her history."

He described the attack as "spontaneous" and said Savage had written a letter of apology to the victim.

The court heard Ms Hayton was on licence at the time too, as part of an extended sentence.